Arena Profile: Michael Benjamin

Michael Benjamin has more than 25 years experience in progressively responsible positions in the fields of Government, Human Services and Politics. He was elected to four terms of office as a Member of the New York State Assembly. Before entering the State Assembly, Michael headed the Bronx Board of Elections. He has twice served as parliamentarian on the Bronx Democratic County Committee. In 2007, Michael was the first New York state legislator to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president.

Over his professional career, he worked for Members of the New York State Assembly, New York City Council and the United States Congress. He has also worked for Affinity Health, Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Center, and the Hunts Point Multiservice Program Center. He has delivered speeches, talks and lectures on government, education policies, electoral politics, and race.

Michael graduated from The Bronx High School of Science and Syracuse University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He has done graduate work in public administration, community public health, and urban affairs at SUNY-Binghamton, NYU, and Hunter College. Michael In 2007, he was the first New York state legislator to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for President. and his wife, Kennedy wed in November 2003. In February 2007, they were profiled as one of NYC’s Power Couples in City Hall magazine.

Michael Benjamin's Recent Discussions

Anthony Weiner resignation inevitable?

Plus, Libya military strikes - constitutional or contemptuous?

It is an ignominous end to a once-promising career in government and politics. His demise should serve as a lesson to other elected officials, local and national, that they should not engage in behavior that will embarass them, their spouses, children, colleagues, neighbors and constituents. Hopefully, this episode will cure the narcissism that infects so many people in public office today. As any other mental disorder, it is self-destructive.

House Democrats must realize that they have now set a "zero tolerance" bar that cannot be lowered in the future. Had revelations of Rep. Weiner's behavior occurred during the summer, Rep. Charlie Rangel would also today be a former member of Congress. The Democratic message or brand is unharmed. The internal dynamics and relationships will most certainly have been affected. It would not surprise me to see an unexpected number of House members deciding against seeking reelection in 2012.

Michele Bachmann a first-tier candidate?

Underestimated? Rep. Bachmann is barely an inch deep.

I think the national media is in its usual overdrive to announce winners and losers, though. Bachmann showing uncharacteristic restraint (if not lucidity) is estimable but not an overwhelming display of intelligence. Applause lines will not pass as public policies or translate into votes at the polls.

Let's reserve further judgment until Rep. Bachmann has spent many more unscripted days on the national campaign trail.

DNC leader help or hindrance?

Plus, Arena Chat with state Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.)

The White House should know that media hounds and currently-serving officeholders are too undisciplined to head national party organization. Apparently, DWS was tapped as cudgel to Democratic women (DWS was vociferous Hillary Clinton partisan). Former Michigan Gov. Granholm would have been better selection.

Jim Crow laws were more insidious than separate public accommodations. Jim Crow laws were passed to eviscerate black political participation. Felony disenfranchisement laws were aimed at black men. Literacy tests and poll taxes are Jim Crow laws aimed at backs. On that score, DWS was spot-on. The Ryan plan is a medieval assault on Medicare and the elderly poor. It was obviously inspired by Ryan's affection for Ayn Rand's teachings. On this, DWS is correct.

Lastly, Democratic members of Congress should only buy American cars manufactured by unionized auto workers. DWS slipped on that banana peel. Otherwise, she is an asset and I can only wish her much success.

Is Andrew Breitbart a 'real journalist'?

Plus, reboot for Obama economic team?

Not likely. Despite getting the goods on John Edwards, has any mainstream news organization cited the crack journalistic reporting of the National Inquirer? Hasn't occurred; won't happen. Andrew Breitbart would have to produce a two-headed Republican baby or prove that Sarah Palin was an "alien abductee" before earning respect from the mainstream media.

Can Anthony Weiner survive?

Plus, can Rick Santorum win the White House?

This is morphing into a debacle eclipsing the Rep. Chris Lee affair. I can now give Mr. Lee credit for having stanched his political bleeding by amputating his congressional career. Mr. Weiner may want to consider following suit (if this isn't a colossal tricks campaign).

Fossella, Massa, Lee and now, Weiner. If there are others in the New York delegation with secret second families, tickle fetishes, or venereal social media disease, I suggest they consider returning to private life. Forthwith.

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The Arena is a cross-party, cross-discipline forum for intelligent and lively conversation about political and policy issues. Contributors have been selected by POLITICO staff and editors. David Mark, Arena's moderator, is a Senior Editor at POLITICO. Each morning, POLITICO sends a question based on that day's news to all contributors.